SvenOnTech loves Parallels Desktop and just can’t get enough of it. With the latest rumors of Apple and Parallels teaming up to maybe have a joint-venture in Leopard, the next version of OS X, we are just getting more and more excited. One great thing about Parallels is how you’re protected from the bad things of Windows as it’s all contained in the virtual machine. Well, that is if you don’t follow certain really scary advice going around the web.

One such suggestion helps users easily access their files in their Documents directory on their Mac via their My Documents folder in their VM Windows install. The thought process is if you change your settings for My Documents to point to your user directories Document path, you’ll have easy access to all your documents. In theory, great idea. In the Windows world, bad, very bad, idea.

Remember the problem with Windows is all those viruses running wild, you still can be hit with one while running Windows in the VM. If your My Documents directory is really your Mac’s Documents directory, then if a virus or Trojan hits you while working in the VM, this means all your documents in your Mac’s Document folder are now infected. Or worse, gone.

SvenOnTech highly suggests you leave all your Windows settings at its default. Also insure that you keep your Windows install up to date and protect yourself with good anti-spyware and anti-virus programs. Be safe, man. Be safe.

6 Responses to “A Parallels Desktop Tip That Could Destroy Your Mac”

1. Ian Orchard Says:
   July 3rd, 2006 at 12:29

   I get the heebie jeebies every time I see WinXP up on my Mini’s screen, wondering what nameless horrors are weaseling down the wire even as I watch. Roll on ‘Crossover’!

2. JamesG Says:
   July 3rd, 2006 at 12:57

   I think your article is a bit sensationalistic. A Windows virus on your computer is not going to “destroy your Mac” as your headline implies.

3. Conal Ho Says:
   July 3rd, 2006 at 13:38

   With the Parallels Shared Folders configured, I have it pointing to my Mac user’s folder and the user’s dekstop. Will viruses be able to get to those folders?

4. Sven Rafferty Says:
   July 3rd, 2006 at 15:23

   JamesG, if loosing all your documents isn’t destruction to you, then sure, you could call this a sensationalistic aritcle. For most, however, this would be a thing that would indeed render ones Mac useless.

   Conal, any folder that has direct access to Windows could be infected by a Windows malware agent. Mapped drives are more complex and thus only the really well written trojans or viruses would get to them. But to be on the safe side, just kill any references to your Mac and use Network Neighborhood to drill down to your folder. In fact, use a shortcut to your “Mac” on in the neighborhood to get there faster. You could always just password protect the folders, too, that would prompt for authentication everytime you access it.

5. Zen Ism Says:
   July 4th, 2006 at 11:46

   “A Parallels Desktop Tip That Could Destroy Your Data and Documents” would be an accurate title. The actual title is web-hit gathering tripe. Spare me.

6. DocB Says:
   July 4th, 2006 at 17:26

   Some helpful tips if running Windows in a VM or via Boot Camp”
   1. If you are connected to the web be behind a properly configured NAT router. This also applies if you are running OSX.
   2. Don’t do email in Windows!
   3. If you must go on the web in Windows don’t use IE. Use Fire Fox!
   4. Only go to trusted sites. No pr0n in Windows!
   5. Run an anti-virus program. AVG is a good free one.